Tamara Potocka, a Slovakian swimmer at the Paris 2024 Olympics, collapsed poolside on Friday after completing the women’s 200m individual medley. She finished seventh in the race held at La Defense Arena and managed to climb out of the pool before collapsing to the pool deck.
Medical staff rushed to her side and attempted to provide the 21-year-old Olympian with treatment, which included an oxygen mask, during the scary scene. Medics provided additional on-site assistance for Potocka for several minutes before finally placing her on a stretcher and taking her to get additional care. The crowd in attendance gave the Olympic swimmer a round of cheers to show their support for her as she was being transported from the facility.
According to The Daily Caller, the leader of the Slovakian team, Ivana Lange, put out a statement after Potocka collapsed, saying, “Tamara has asthma. This whole combination of nervous and physical tension while she did not have her inhaler immediately available to use contributed to the creation of this problem.” Lange continued to keep viewers and audience members apprised of Potocka’s condition, however, more time was needed in order to properly assess her physical condition.
Olympics: Slovakian swimmer Tamara Potocka collapsed due to asthmatic attack and was taken away by medical staff on a stretcher in front of fans inside La Defense Arena in Paris on Friday. pic.twitter.com/4dhtfIW18E
— Tpapa OG (@XViralNews7) August 2, 2024
“She received oxygen and necessary medication, her condition is constantly monitored,” Lange went on to say. “A few minutes ago, the doctor told me that she must be monitored for several more hours.” A Slovakian official also said that Potocka did not have her inhaler with her in the arena at the time of the incident.
Does anyone know how #TamaraPotocka is doing? I read she collapsed bc she suffers from asthma and didn’t have her inhaler with her. If she requires a steroid-based one, she was probably too afraid to use it. https://t.co/HkhoxPynji
— Emily (@YYZemily) August 2, 2024
“Venue officials released another update later Friday, saying Potocká was conscious and receiving further medical care. The swimming heats were delayed for about 10 minutes before the Olympic event resumed as scheduled. Canada’s Summer McIntosh qualified fastest in the individual medley. Potocká finished 23rd and was eliminated from the competition,” the report concluded.
Whatever the cause for her collapse, I hope the best for her.
As for vaccines of any kind, I am DONE with them. Period.